Texas lawmakers call end of space shuttle program ‘bittersweet’

The space shuttle Atlantis takes off from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Members of the Texas delegation called the last launch of a shuttle 'bittersweet.' (AP Photo)

The launch of space shuttle Atlantis on Friday was the end of an era for America’s space program. Members of the Texas delegation honored the moment by eagerly praising both NASA and the astronauts abroad Atlantis, and calling on the federal government to continue American’s space dominance.

“It should also be a proud moment for the hardworking men and women of NASA who have done so much over the past 30 years to inspire and provide the ultimate example of what America is capable of accomplishing,” she said. “But at the same time, it begins a period when this nation will no longer be able to launch humans to space-or to the International Space Station-on U.S. launch vehicles. I am hopeful that NASA will do everything it can to speed up the delivery of Orion Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle, announce plans for the development of heavy lift rockets and work together with Congress so we can embark on a new era of American dominance in manned spaceflight.”

Republican Sen. John Cornyn said: “While [Friday] marks the end of the shuttle’s chapter, we know this is not the end of human space exploration. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Texas congressional delegation to ensure our state remains at the helm of a robust human space program, which will help the U.S. maintain its competitive edge and stand as a source of pride for all Americans.”

Rep. Pete Olson

Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, said: “As the final shuttle flight concludes, our nation is again challenged to support a new mission. This is a historic opportunity to support the next generation of American exceptionalism that will ensure our global competitiveness and give science and exploration the opportunity to drive our economy. I am committed to meet that challenge and ensure that Congress steps up to this challenge as well. In NASA, we have the best and brightest in the world on our side and I know together we can achieve even bigger and better things that will maintain our position as global leader.”

Rep.Michael McCaul, R-Houston said: “NASA is building the new Space Launch System and Multipurpose Crew Vehicle to return us to space. This should be a priority for Congress to fund in order to minimize our dependency on Russia and avoid losing our leadership in space exploration. The greatest challenge is a lack of a plan and destination for future manned missions. Without this focus, we risk losing the vision that inspires our next generation of scientists and engineers, and the innovations that come along with them. NASA needs to decide on, and the administration should fully support, a goal for human space exploration. Only then can we secure America’s dominance in space and inspire future generations.”

Rep. Kevin Brady

Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands said: “For three decades, NASA’s space shuttles, astronauts, scientists and ground crews have made what was once seen as impossible, look effortless. Like all Americans, I grieved with the NASA family over the losses of Challenger and Columbia, and then watched with pride as our workhorse shuttles returned to flight. To generations of Americans, space exploration is synonymous with hope, because NASA appeals to the explorer in us all.”

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas said, “In addition to being an engineering marvel, the Space Shuttle has played a unique role in sparking interest in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. We must continue to provide our children and grandchildren with that kind of inspiration in the future. As the Space Shuttle era comes to a close, we can best honor its legacy by maintaining our commitment to a strong and vibrant human space flight program through productive utilization of the International Space Station and expeditious development of the crewed spacecraft and launch vehicles NASA will need to once again travel beyond low-Earth orbit.”

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, who was at the launch, said: “This launch was a tremendous celebration and culmination of the hard work, intensity, and dedication of the people of NASA, and it is my hope that this inspirational opportunity will provide the momentum that our country needs to continue our space leadership and preeminence in the 21st century. While I am extremely disappointed in NASA’s decision to retire the space shuttle program, it is my hope that this final launch will inspire a redefinition of NASA’s mission to reach the moon again in the 21st century because a focused long term mission will create more scientists, new sophisticated technology, and more jobs.”

President Barack Obama released his statement thanking the shuttle team and NASA for its work. He said, “Americans across the country watched with pride as four of our fellow citizens blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and America reached for the heavens once more. [The] launch may mark the final flight of the Space Shuttle, but it propels us into the next era of our never-ending adventure to push the very frontiers of exploration and discovery in space. We’ll drive new advances in science and technology. We’ll enhance knowledge, education, innovation, and economic growth. And I have tasked the men and women of NASA with an ambitious new mission: to break new boundaries in space exploration, ultimately sending Americans to Mars. I know they are up to the challenge – and I plan to be around to see it.”